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Carpenters Fan Club Newsletter #41 - February, 1975

Hi Fans!

We hope you all enjoyed the Holidays, and that you will have a very happy 1975. Many thanks from the Carpenter family, Rosina, Patty & myself for the fantastic cards and gifts we received. All cards were on display during the Holidays, and will be placed in the Carpenters books of memories. Christmas in the Carpenter home was busy. Aunts, Uncles and cousins jetted in from Maryland and Connecticut for a family gathering. The Christmas tree was a huge Douglas fir, so thick with branches and needles, that all the ornaments had to be placed at the foremost tips. The marshmallow castle Curt Mercer built for them last year was displayed on the large cocktail table in the living room. This year Curt added to the scenery, including a moat to surround the castle, a pond (made from blue glass) with skaters, tiny animals, trees, snow, a lollipop meadow and a candy cane lane. Tiny colored lights enhanced the details which took him 144 hours to construct. The entire display was carefully transported to it's new home on the eve of the annual Christmas party, where it drew "oos" and "ahs" from delighted guests.

The party as always was a huge success, and Karen was a very delightful hostess. Tables were heavy with a variety of tasty foods which had been prepared by Mabel Reed, a super cateress. I'm sure we all went away a few pounds heavier!

December 19, Richard & Karen staged two shows at Disneyland. It was Trojan night, and the big handsome men on the football team were being honored for earning their way into New Year's Day Rose Bowl game. It was a rare cold California night, and though our duo wore denim outfits, they were freezing cold on the outdoor stage.

Karen's thirst for knowledge of culinary art had led her to enroll in a cookery course, a subject she loves.

Richard spends his daylight hours working on songs and arrangements for upcoming albums. Occasionally, for a change of pace and relaxation, he takes a jaunt on his new 450 Honda, with Karen following on her new 125.

It appears their long awaited three month vacation has gone down the drain. Demands for bookings have been so heavy, that vacation time has been replaced by concerts. The following schedule is tentative, and subject to changes, cancellations, and/or additions. I try to keep you notified of any alterations, but at times is impossible when it occurs between newsletters.

April 5th Ames, Iowa State
April 4th Hayes, Kansas, Kansas State
April 5th Denver, Colorado, Auditorium
April 7th Colorado Springs, Colorado, Air Force Academy
April 15th West Palm Beach, Florida, Auditorium
April 16th Lakeland, Florida, Arena

April 17th Jacksonville, Florida, Auditorium April 18 & 19th Atlanta, Georgia, Civic Auditorium
April 20th Columbia, South Carolina, Coliseum
April 22-27th Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, Music Theater
May---Open
June 12-25th Las Vegas, Nevada, Riviera Hotel
July 11th Toronto, Canada
July 12-15th Toronto, Canada, O'Keefe Center
July 14-15th Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio
July 16-19th Independence, Michigan, Pine Knob
July 20th Erie, Pennsylvania
July 21-26th Ballingford, Connecticut, Oakdale
July 27th Saratoga Springs, New York, Performing Arts
July 28-Aug. 5th Ararwick, Rhode Island, Music Theater
Aug. 4-9th Holmdel, New Jersey, Garden State Arts
Aug. 10-11th Columbia, Maryland
Aug. 12th Chicago, Illinois-Ravinia
Aug. 21-Sep. 5th Las Vegas, Nevada-Riviera

Fans in England & Japan will be happy to learn of scheduled concerts in the countries this fall. England Sep/Oct., and Japan Oct/Nov. A detailed schedule is in preparation now, which I will confirm in a future newsletter.

By now you all know the latest single Please Mr Postman is number ONE on all U.S.A. charts. Richard & Karen heard the good news Friday 17th, and the following Monday it reached GOLD!

Now for the frequently requested question & answer sessions:

Q. Where was the Close To You album cover picture taken?
A. On the rocky coast of Palos Verdes, California. The point of land in the background to the right of Karen's shoulder, is where the Greek freighter The Dominator was lost when it got too close to shore on a foggy night and foundered on the rocks.
Q. Where was the picture for The Singles album taken?
A: Lake Tahoe, Nevada.
Q: Do Richard & Karen wear platform shoes?
A. Occasionally. They each have a pair in their wardrobes.
Q: Where did Karen get the 'Tugboat' sweater she wore on the Perry Como Show?
A. She bought it at Fred Segal's in Beverly Hills, California.
Q: Where were their parents born?
A: Mom Carpenter was born in Baltimore, Maryland. Dad in Fuchow, China.
Q: Are any of their grandparents living?
A: No.
Q: How many aunts and uncles do they have?
A. On their mom's side, two aunts. On Dad's side, two aunts and one uncle.
Q: Do Karen & Richard have brothers or sisters?
A. No.
Q: How long does it take the stage hands to set up their equipment?
A: Three to four hours.
Q: What is their favorite TV show?
A: All In The Family.
Q: Is Karen still an avid baseball fan, and which is her favorite team?
A: At one time she favored the Yankees, but she has no favorite team at present because she has no time to watch the game.
Q: Did Richard play baseball when he was a youngster?
A. Only occasionally. He much preferred playing the piano.
Q. What sport do they like now?
A. Karen still enjoys baseball. Richard prefers handball. They both like to ride their bicycles and motorcycles.
Q: What is their favorite season of the year, and why?
A. Summer. They both like the warmer weather.
Q: What is Karen's favorite perfume or cologne?
A. "Occur" by Avon.
Q. Of all the foreign countries they have visited, which do they like most?
A. Japan.
Q. What are their favorite flowers?
A. Karen loves roses (all colors) and carnations. Richard likes yellow roses.
Q. Have Richard and Karen ever been afraid to fly in a plane?
A. No.

Just received a copy of the tentative schedule for Europe.

Nov. 7th Amsterdam Concert Hall
Nov. 8th Rotterdarn Dloelen
Nov. 9th The Hague Congress Hall
Nov. 10th Eindhoven Jubilee
Nov. 11th Croningen Martini Hall
Nov. 12th Brussels Forest National
Nov. 14th & 15th Manchester, UK Belle Vue
Nov. 16th Wakefield, U.K. Leed Club
Nov. 17 & 18 Glasgow, Scotland-Apollo
Nov. 19th Edinburcgh, Scotland-Usher
Nov. 20 & 21 Southport-New Theater
Nov. 22nd Liverpool, Empire
Nov. 23rd Leicester - DeMonfort
Nov. 24th & 25th Birmingham-Hippodrome
Nov. 26th & 27th Bristol-Hippodrome
Nov. 28th London-Royal Festival
Nov. 29th & 30th Bournemouth-Winter Carde
Dec.1st-3rd London-Royal Albert Hall

One last question:

Q. Who is EV?
A. That's me - Evelyn Wallace - K & R's personal secretary. Been with them since 1970.

Rap in April. EV

Carpenters Fan Club Newsletter #42 - April, 1975

Hi Fans,

Carpenters "Books of Memories" gets fatter and fatter each birthday and holiday, thanks to you thoughtful fans. Their greeting card book is especially plump since Karen & Mom Carpenters' birthdays. They both send sincere thanks for the lovely cards and gifts that arrived from countries throughout the world.

Commendations to our Japanese fans on their artistic talent. It is so profound it seems they are born with pencils in hand. It is evident in their letters which are embellished with beautiful sketches and colorings. Tiny handmade doll bookmarks are enclosed with some of the letters, or colorful, minute birds, frogs, windmills, men & woman, etc cleverly created from small pieces of paper folded at various angles. Their handwriting, too, is artistically legible, their spelling is excellent and the messages they send are poetically phrased.

Carpenters new single Only Yesterday will win another gold record for them. Memos of advanced overseas sales are already pouring in. K & R were presented 2 gold records each for Please Mr Postman from A & M Records. There will be more from the Record Industry as well as some from foreign countries for high sales. Both songs will be on their forthcoming album Horizon which they are recording now. Inquiries concerning the traveling Carpenter "family" have been numerous lately so will give you a thumbnail biography of each member.

BOB MESSENGER - birthday Sept. 30, has a wife Joan, a daughter Suzanne and a son Forrest. Bob was born in Pittsburgh, Kansas, raised in Bremerton, Wash. and later, moved to Lynwood, CA where he graduated from high school. While attending various universities, he played in several local groups for clubs and organizations in So. CA. In 1969 he signed with Carpenters as electric bass player, doubling on sax, flute and clarinet He is also adept at keyboard and string bass. He's worked in the commercial art field and still has an interest in it. He is a very quiet person, enjoys playing chess and is a member of several local chess clubs.

TONY PELUSO - birthday March 28, unmarried, born & raised in Los Angeles, CA. He joined Carpenters in 1971 as a guitarist and vocalist and also doubles on electric bass and keyboard. Prior, he had his own group called Instant Joy who played back-up music for Paul Revere & the Raiders, Mark Lindsey and Bobby Sherman. Tony is also the producer of Bobbidazzler, a 5 piece group that has 2 brothers as lead singers. Watch for them on A & M Records. Bobbidazzler is a Scottish word which, in our present day slang means "outasite". Tony has recently written 2 songs, Sailing On The Tide and Happy. Both songs will be on Carpenters new album. Happy is also on the flip side of Only Yesterday.

DOUG STRAWN - birthday Sept. 4, unmarried, born in Long Branch, N.Y. and raised in Canton, Ohio. He was one of a barbershop quartet, Disneyland's "Dapper Dans" before Joining K & R as vocalist and instrumentalist in 1968. Doug plays electric clarinet, Organ and sax. He received his B A degree from Long Beach State and is the only graduate to perform senior recitals in three fields - vocal, clarinet and conducting. He is an excellent pianist, having studied piano for 9 years. Doug is outgoing, friendly and quite a comedian. His outside interests are boating; classical chorale and people.

DANNY WOODHAMS - birthday Jan. 8, married to London born Kay. No children. He was born in Ukiah, CA and raised in Sonora, CA. He attended Long Beach State where he met Richard through their mutual interest and membership in the college choir. As a vocalist and electric bass player, he was one of the first to Join Richard's group, then known as Spectrum (1967). Daytime he worked as a purchasing agent. Other talents include playing classical violin and classical guitar. His hobby is photography and he is specially good at portraits. Danny is friendly, outgoing and loves to learn about people by listening to them.

SHERWIN BASH - birthday April 19, wife's name is Bobby, 2 daughters, Kym & Randy. He was born and raised in New York City and has been in the music business for 25 years. He managed an unknown trumpet player and put him on the road to wealth fame. This same trumpet player, the great Mr. Herb Alpert later discovered Carpenters and became their boss at A & M Records. Mr. Bash is an excellent artist in commercial art and has had experience in that field. He plays piano, though not professionally. He is very outgoing, warm, affectionate and happy. He loves his work, which includes being manager of K & R.

CURT MERCER - birthday Oct. 6, wife's name, Clare, 2 daughters, Cindee & Cecily. Curt was born and raised in Buffalo, N.Y. He was an actor for 16 years working in musicals, comedies, films, stage, and TV. His interest eventually turned to theatrical production and for a time, worked as production manager for various films and stage shows. He being an expert at lighting and worked as lighting manager for many famous "middle of the road" musicians and singers. These included Herb Albert, Peter Nero, Mitzi Gaynor, Joey Heatherton & Sammy Davis Jr. He was with Burt Bacharach when he met R & K and accepted their offer to be their full time lighting manager. Curt is very creative and enjoys building miniature railroads, towns and castles. He collects books on King Arthur and Lawrence of Arabia. He enjoys playing basketball and for a time was a semi-professional player in an Eastern league.

ROGER YOUNG - birthday July 1, unmarried. A native Californian, he was born in Long Beach and raised in Buena Park. He was a music major at Long Beach State, studying French horn and the trumpet. Though he was attending K & R's Alma Mater at the same time they were, their paths never crossed and they did not know each other while students there. After college, he worked at A & M Recording Studio as a sound engineer where he finally met Carpenters. He now travels with them as their sound engineer for concerts, records and TV. Extremely friendly, he loves to joke, likes to listen to music and is an avid baseball fan. He hopes for second base position when Carpenters play softball this summer.

MARK RUDOLPH - birthday Aug. 2, nickname "Bear", wife's name Janet, no children. Born and raised in Baltimore, Ma. First cousin to K & R. (His mom and their mom are sisters.) He joined the group as a roadie in June 1971 after graduating from high school, and soon worked his way up to Road Manager. He loves to play football and was a member of his high school football team. He feels very much at home in a kitchen where he loves to try out new recipes; and best of all he loves to eat what he cooks.

SANDY HOLLAND - birthday Sept. 16, native of California, she was born in Burbank and raised in Van Nuys. While employed at Baron's Hair Styling in Studio City, she was recommended to Karen by a mutual friend. She joined the roadies in March 1974 as Karen's hairdresser. She is very artistic and creative in both needlepoint and beadwork. She loves to be with people she loves traveling and is very fond of animals, including her own English Cocker.

ROBERT WELLBORN - birthday Dec. 3, wife's name, Becky, no children. He was born and raised in Dallas, Texas and has worked most of his young life in recording studios as an audio engineer. He joined R & K in that capacity in May 1974. A quiet man, he enjoys playing the guitar and for outdoor activity, he likes motorcycle riding.

KEN BLACK - birthday Nov. 4, unmarried. Born in South Gate, CA and raised in nearby Lynwood. He played trombone in the Warren High School Band and after graduation worked as an assistant to his dad, Keith, renowned builder of racing engines. An excellent mechanic, Ken worked on one of Richard's cars and soon became interested in the group, finally joining them in July 1974. He now serves them as sound equipment technician.

JACK GRIFFITH - birthday Nov. 20, wife's name Shirley, proud father of a baby daughter. He was born in Brymar, PA and raised in King of Prussia, PA. He worked in the rhythm section of a musical group before joining Carpenters as a roadie. Newly hired, he will help set up drums and equipment and give a hand wherever it is needed. He loves sports and was an active participant in a Palm Springs softball league.

SANDY SPEVACK - birthday Sept. 25, unmarried. The Bronx, N.Y. was his birthplace and home until he moved to Los Angeles at the age of 14. After graduating from Hamilton High School, he entered the electronics field, both manufacturing and working with theatrical lighting equipment. Now one of Carpenters roadies, he works as a sound technician. He is a baseball and hockey fan, likes riding horseback, traveling, and meeting people. He is an animal lover and owns an Irish Setter named "Monday".

CUBBY O'BRIEN - was unavailable for an interview so will feature him in the next newsletter. PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING SCHEDULE CHANGE AND SOME ADDITIONS:

Riviera Club in as Vegas has been moved up 2 weeks. Instead of June 12 to 25, They will appear May 29th to June 11th. Their appearance in Erie, Pa. on July 20 will be at the County Field House. Also ADD to your schedule: April 21st - Fayetteville, N.C. at the Cumberland County Memoria1 Arena.

The following is for the month of May:

May 9th - Topeka, Kansas - Municipal
May 10th & 11th - Kansas City, Kansas - Memoria1 Hall
May 12th - Sioux City, Iowa - Municipal Aud.
May 13th - Bismark, ND - Civic Arena
Aug. 15th - Duluth, Minn. - Arena
Aug. 16th - Omaha, Neb. - Civic Auditorium
Aug. 17th - Minneapolis, Minn. - Auditorium
Aug. 19th thru 25th - Westchester, N.Y. - Premiere Theater

The Carpenter family and the Carpenter staff wish all of you a very Happy Easter and Passover, though we know the wish is a bit late. Also, a million thanks for the lovely Easter cards we have received. Carpenters will again have a softball team this summer and have 4 games scheduled - July 17th in Pine Knot, July 22 in Wallingford, July 29 in Warwick and Aug. 5th in the Garden State exact date, to be announced in next newsletter.

Rap in June EV.

Carpenters Fan Club Newsletter #43 - June, 1975

Hi Fans:

Good news today! After months of taping 12-14 hours a day, the new album Horizon is completed, and will be released world wide this month. It's very difficult to select a favorite from Richard's superb arrangements but I'm partial to I Can Dream Can't I? Reminds me of the Big Band era.

Determined to lose weight, Karen has melted down to a mere 93 pounds. Exhausted from the demands or taping etc, she spent a short vacation with friends in the Virgin Islands who forced her to relax and rest by denying she the use of the telephone and trade publications. She returned with a lovely tan. Meanwhile, back home Richard spent some time enjoying his motorcycle. He and Karen thoughtfully took time to plan a fantastic surprise party for Mom & Dads 40th wedding anniversary.

A roomful or guests greeted them upon arrival at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, which amazed them, as they were under the impression they were going to meet Richard & Karen only, for a quiet family dinner. The white and green floral centerpiece on the banquet table reached end to end, consisting or huge orchids, carnations and apple blossom. The 7 course meal included filet mignon, quiche Lorraine, individual chocolate cakes with whipped cream.

More surprises at gift opening time as Richard & Karen's gifts topped one another. First to be opened was a luxurious set of sterling silver and gold flatwear. (From friends, they received an elegant two drawer chest to house it in.) The second gift revealed a snapshot of their dining room, with a tiny pair or curtains and drapes affixed to the windows - an indication they would receive new ones for their Downey home. The next unwrappable gift item was a new car to replace the one that had been stolen from a shopping center parking lot. To warn them a new car would be forthcoming, a huge key (36" long) was created from silver art board, glued atop styrofoam, and placed on a length of chain with a fob closely resembling the one on the Carpenters keychain. The last girt to be opened was a real puzzler, and it was amusing watching Mom & Dads expressions as they tried to figure out the contents.

A tiny sail boat, sporting the Carpenter logo on the sails, and flying a minute American flag at the bow, sailing on a blue tissue paper ocean, and heading for a styrofoam flower covered island, indicating a forthcoming long dreamed of Caribbean cruise. They were not convinced of this until they saw the actual reserved tickets inside the package. So ended a superb party for two people who truly deserved this elaborate celebration.

As promised - here is a thumbnail bio for Cubby O'Brien. His wife's name is Marilyn, and they have a daughter, Alicia, 6+. He was born in Burbank, California on 14 July, and was raised in the Sun Valley area. At an early age he joined the Disney Mouseketeers, and played with them until they disbanded. As a drummer with Lawrence Welk Jr.'s band, he also sang and danced with Janet Lennon. At the ripe old age of 13 he conducted a big band comprising adult members, and played drums with them too. He played for a time with Spike Jones Sr.'s band, and was featured as drum soloist. He appeared in various t.v. commercials, and did some acting with Clint Walker in Cheyenne on tv. At Harrah's Club in Tahoe and Vegas, he appeared with Ann Margaret, and has guested on all her tv. specials. Jim Nabors, Juliet Prowse, Sergio Frankie and John Davidson are other celebrities for whom he has drummed and/or conducted orchestra. As a drummer, he was a Carol Burnett regular for 5 years, and it was on her show that he met Richard & Karen when they appeared as her guests. This past March he celebrated his second anniversary with the Carpenters. Cubby is friendly, though relatively quiet, with a dry sense of humor. His hobbies include scuba diving and spear fishing. He enjoys also cooking an occasional meal.

Those of you who have had an opportunity to attend a recent Carpenters concert, are no doubt delighted with the new program book. Richard & Karen were finally persuaded that it should contain some of their baby pictures. There are also a few pictures of Mom & Dad, past and present. John Bettis, the lyricist, is also featured in the book, plus the Carpenter Road family.

These books are obtainable thru the fan club.

NOTE TO JAPANESE FANS! There are tentative plans for a baseball game to be played in Japan, between the Carpenters team and Japanese disk jockeys. I hope to give you further details in the August newsletter. To-date there is no confirmation of exact location of the proposed four games to be scheduled in the U.S. Please consult your local D.J's or watch your local paper concerning the location of diamonds on which these games will be played.

We've had numerous inquiries pertaining to the Carpenters single Please Mr Postman. The question: Why did they release Please Mr Postman at the same time as the Boone family released theirs? The answer: The Carpenters actually recorded their version several months before the Boone family's release, and although the Carpenters version was released five weeks after the Boone's, they certainly did not get the idea to record Please Mr Postman from the Boone family.

Now for a question and answer session by popular demand.

Q: Which Carpenters album has been the biggest seller?
A: In the U.S. - Close To You. Worldwide - The Singles.
Q: Has Karen ever tried to teach Richard to play drums?
A. No.
Q. Have they ever appeared at the Troubadour and Whiskey-A-Go-GO?
A. Yes - when they were trying to break into the entertainment field.
Q. What were their favorite high school subjects?
A. The favorite of both was band. Richard also liked science, and typing and English were Karen's other most liked subjects.
Q. Did they ever receive any scholastic awards?
A: Richard received an award in the Chamber Music category for his piano expertise. Karen received the John Phillip Sousa award for drums.
Q. Do they each have their own doctor?
A. No. They have a family doctor. (Same one since moving to CA).
Q. Did they have any serious illnesses when they were youngsters?
A: Richard suffered frequent attacks of the croup, which at times forced him to fight for his breath, but outgrew same with no adverse effects.
Q. Have Richard and Karen ever ridden horses?
A. Richard wasn't interested, but Karen loves horses, and rode quite often while in high school.
Q: What is their favorite Holiday of the year, and why?
A. Christmas. It is the one holiday they know they will be able to spend with family and friends.
Q: Was Karen ever a cheerleader in high school?
A: No. She always played in the band.
Q: Does Karen have a favorite recipe she likes to prepare?
A: She loves to cook, and here is one of her many favorites.

PEACH MABEL
1 egg
1/4 cup sour cream
1/2 pt. whipping cream
1 tsp. vanilla
1/4 cup cold water
2 drops almond flavoring
4 tbsp. butter
3/4 cup sugar
1 box vanilla wafers
2 cups peaches
1/2 tsp. salt
1 envelope plain gelatin
Place wafers in plastic bag, crush with rolling pin, then spread on baseof glass dish. Mix butter, sour cream, sugar, salt and flavors, blend inblender. Add egg and blend again. Mix gelatin with cold water, and blendwith other ingredients. Whip cream and add to peaches and other ingredient. Pour into wafer crust and place in refrigerator for several hours. The Nabisco vanilla wafers are available in most markets.

Hope to have more tour news next time. Rap later. Ev.